Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride and Zooloretto are great games and all winners of the Spiel des Jahres (German Board Game of the Year).

Unfortunately, many only think of the same stale “favorites” like Monopoly, Sorry, Clue, Risk and others lining the walls of big box stores.

Comparing games to movies for an entertainment option, this is like getting to choose from “Gone with The Wind,” “The Wizard of Oz” or “Jaws” anytime you and some friends wanted to go see a movie. They may be good movies, but you may want something new and different.

There are hundreds of new board games released every year with interesting themes, clever twists and good interaction with other players.

Go ask the folks at Tabletop Game & Hobby in Overland Park, Pulp Fiction Comics in Lee’s Summit or 31st Century Games & Hobbies in Olathe to find a new board game for your friends and family.